NETWORKING FOR THE INTROVERTED

Mark Zhang

What is Networking?

Expanding the circle of people you know. Building and maintaining connections for

shared positive outcome.

Why Network?

Think of a Big Goal Networking will help you get there

Why Network?

Hold on a Minute!

Hold on a Minute!

Networking is boring and painful! Networking makes me feel awkward and

exhausted. Networking never works. Extroverts are better at networking.

The Wrong Advice

A lot of traditional networking advice goes like this: Always put yourself out there. “Never eat alone” Promote yourself constantly More contacts = more success

The Wrong Advice

A lot of traditional networking advice goes like this: Always put yourself out there. “Never eat alone” Promote yourself constantly More contacts = more success

This is extrovert-centered advice! It was never intended for introverts.

Introverts need a different approach.

What is an Introvert?

Introverts Think to talk Go deep Energize alone

Extroverts Talk to think Go wide Energize with

others

Self-Assessment

For each pair of choices, assign 3 points between each pair based on your point of view.

For example: A = 3, B = 0 A = 1, B = 2

Self-Assessment

1. A) An ideal day off includes time on my own.

B) An ideal day off is spent with others.

2. A) People may consider me a private person

B) People may think I talk too much.

3. A) When networking, I am good at circulating the room.

B) When networking, I usually focus on one or two people.

4. A) I prefer working independently.

B) I prefer working as part of a team.

5. A) Ideas come to me by thinking things over.

B) Ideas come to me by talking things through.

6. A) I prefer being with a group of

people at lunch.

B) I prefer one-on-one or alone

time at lunch.

7. A) I am uncomfortable making

small talk.

B) I am a natural conversationalist.

8. A) I make friends wherever I go.

B) I have few true friends.

9. A) I I often feel misunderstood.

B) I am easily understood.

10. A) Colleagues get to know me easily.

B) Most colleagues do not know me well.Source: “Networking for People who Hate Networking”, Devora

Zack

Self-Assessment

Extrovert1. B2. B3. A4. B5. B6. A7. B8. A9. B10. A

Introvert1. A2. A3. B4. A5. A6. B7. A8. B9. A10. B

Results

26 – 30 Strong preference for dominant style

21 – 25 Preference 16 – 20 Slight preference

How to Network as an Introvert General Tips

Plan ahead Listen and

process Take breaks

Meeting New People

Plan ahead Approaching Someone Making Small Talk Making an Exit Write it Down Taking Breaks

Plan ahead

What are you comfortable sharing about yourself?

Prepare meaty answers to questions like “How are you? Where are you from?”

Prepare questions. What are you interested in in the people you meet?

Plan who you want to talk to and focus on them.

You are about to network with each other. Take a few minutes to prepare.

Approaching People

Ask an offhand question “Have you ever been to one of these

before?” “What kind of cheese is this?”

Note unusual style, accessories, etc. and compliment

Smile Make eye contact

Making Small Talk

Focus on others. Ask them questions about themselves Listen and be interested in what they

say Continue asking insightful questions Be prepared to answer the questions you

ask

Get up and meet 1 or 2 people

How to Make an Exit

Plan your exit ahead of time Be gracious and warm. “It was really nice talking with you.” “I’m going to get some fresh air.” “I’m going to walk around some more.” “I don’t want to stop you from meeting

other people, but maybe we can add each other on FB and continue the conversation there.”

Practice

Meet at least 3 people

Write it Down

Name (with pronunciation hints) Event location, date Personal Facts (family, birthday,

interests,…) Brief conversation summary Intended follow-up

Take breaks

If you’re at a networking event or a party, it’s okay to take breaks!

It’s also okay to take the night off (refuse the evening events at a conference, etc).

If you are exhausted, you will NOT make a good impression.

Building Lasting Relationships This is where introverts can really shine.

Two parts: Follow up Keep in touch

Follow up

Reference something specific in the conversation you enjoyed hearing about. Ask how a new project is progressing. Ask how their kid is doing

If you really want to impress, send a handwritten letter.

Be thoughtful and sincere. (introverts are good at this)

Keep in Touch

It’s tough! Here are some ideas: Get lunch if you’re in the area. Send them relevant articles. Ask if they’d like a referral. Refer someone to them (ask them first) Ask for help! Go out of your way to help them.

Summary

Plan ahead Listen and process Take breaks

Introvert-centered Networking Think to talk Go deep Energize alone

Life is one big networking opportunity

Recommended Reading: Networking for People Who

Hate NetworkingDevora Zack